MSC ALEXANDRA SUSTAINS DAMAGE IN SINGAPORE STRAIT

Vessel In Collision With VlCC

AN MSC container vessel was significantly damaged last night in an incident in the Singapore Strait.

MSC Alexandra, a 14000 TEU vessel sailing under the Panama flag on its Jade Service toward Asia, was in collision with a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) at approximately 23.55 (local time).

Initial reports confirmed a number of containers had been displaced from both vessels, with salvage services being deployed to locate them and return them safely to port.

MSC confirms there was no loss of life in the incident, and no pollution caused as a direct result of the collision.

Divers and assessors have been in the area of the incident throughout the subsequent hours, helping to ensure the appropriate action to safely and effectively discharge all containers from MSC Alexandra.

Mr Yock Juee Tan, Managing Director of MSC Asia, said: “While we are always saddened to learn of an incident of this nature at sea, we are on this occasion extremely relieved to hear that there has been no loss of life, or pollution caused – despite the significant damage to the hull of MSC Alexandra.

“We are now continuing to work closely with the authorities and salvage teams to ensure containers are safely discharged and that we can resume MSC Alexandra’s duties as soon as possible.”

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore issued navigation broadcasts to warn vessels of the incident. Both vessels are now safely under anchor in Singapore

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. is a privately owned global shipping company founded in 1970 by Gianluigi Aponte. As one of the world’s leading container shipping lines, MSC operates 480 offices across 150 countries worldwide with over 60,000 employees*. With access to an integrated network of road, rail and sea transport resources which stretches across the globe, the company prides itself on delivering global service with local knowledge. MSC’s shipping line sails on more than 200 trade routes, calling at over 315 ports.

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